Emblem Vault CEO Loses Over $100,000 in BTC and ETH After Zoom Call — Another Social Engineering Attack in the Crypto Industry

Jake Gallen, the CEO of NFT platform Emblem Vault, has reportedly lost more than $100,000 worth of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) following a suspicious Zoom call that turned out to be part of a social engineering scam.

Hackers Used Zoom Calls to Access Crypto Wallets

According to cybersecurity experts from The Security Alliance, this incident is not an isolated case.

Their analysis revealed that the attacker convinced victims to install malicious software, which later provided remote access to their crypto wallets.

Through this method, the scammer was able to steal BTC, ETH, and other digital assets without triggering any immediate suspicion.

Social Engineering — A Growing Threat to Crypto Professionals

The case involving Emblem Vault’s CEO highlights that even experienced industry figures can fall victim to psychological manipulation and trust-based deception.

Scammers are increasingly using social engineering tactics, such as forged identities, fake business calls, and Zoom or Google Meet meetings, to gain victims’ trust and execute crypto thefts.

Experts warn that such attacks are often highly convincing, designed to trick users into revealing private keys or installing malware disguised as legitimate tools.

How to Protect Your Crypto from Zoom Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Cybersecurity specialists recommend the following precautions:

Never install software or browser extensions at someone’s request during video calls.
Verify the identity of participants before joining Zoom or online meetings.
Store your crypto in hardware (cold) wallets that prevent remote access.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and reliable antivirus software.
Avoid clicking links shared via email or chat, even if they appear official.

Digital Hygiene and Awareness Are Key in the Crypto Space

This incident underscores the importance of digital hygiene and ongoing awareness about modern crypto scam tactics.

Even prominent Web3 and blockchain professionals are not immune to targeted attacks, especially when hackers use social pressure and psychological manipulation to gain trust.

Experts urge all crypto users and companies to prioritize cybersecurity, verify all communication channels, and adopt responsible online behavior when managing digital assets.